The First Academy’s Middle School program walks closely with students and parents through these transitional years providing individualized attention, a solid academic foundation, opportunities to explore new interests, and an engaging spiritual life on campus. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of what we offer, including:
Creating a culture of respect.
Middle school can be a challenging season as pre-teens learn to navigate conflict and build healthy relationships. With the help of our dedicated Living Curriculum teachers, we guide our students through this process by teaching them to:
Honor themselves and each other.
In Middle School, we build on the foundational lessons of respect for self, others, and authority.
Form authentic relationships.
As students seek acceptance and understanding, peer mentorship programs, collaborative activities, athletic teams, and a biblical worldview help ensure healthy relationship building.
Develop character. Kindness. Honesty. Trustworthiness. Loyalty.
Through chapel, service work, leadership, and mentorship, students deepen their Christian values and develop their integrity.
Make wise choices.
Social influences are strong as middle schoolers work to solidify their identity. TFA’s Christ-centered curriculum, weekly chapel, and small group sessions keep students grounded.
“I love supporting a school where kids can learn and grow in a Christian environment that focuses on the mind and the heart.
NIKKI KEARN, TFA PARENT
Academic Rigor
Middle School means a more challenging curriculum in an effort to prepare students for the demanding coursework they’ll encounter in high school and college. Core subjects include Bible, English, History, Mathematics, and Science. Similar to what they’ll experience in Upper School at TFA, Middle School students change classes and teachers, and choose electives from the areas of fine arts (visual and performing), physical education, reading, computers, and foreign languages
Learning to Lead
Middle School prepares students for the many leadership roles they’ll take on when they reach upper school. They can serve as chaplains and assist in planning, organizing, and implementing small group meetings. Student-led worship and discipleship meetings are opportunities for leadership and spiritual development. Student clubs and organizations mean taking on additional roles and responsibilities.
Exploration and Enrichment
From fine arts to choir to foreign language, students can choose electives that align with their interests and passions. Clubs and organizations provide additional opportunities to explore new hobbies and curiosities, including board games, disc golf, LEGO robotics, outdoor club, and the podcasting club.
Competitive Athletics
TFA Middle School students can play sports at the Middle School, Junior Varsity, or Varsity levels — baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Our exceptional athletic facilities include an athletic complex and tennis complex where our school community enjoys coming together to cheer on their Royals
HIGH SCHOOL PREP
Ready for high school and beyond
Everything we do at The First Academy is designed to help students thrive. The result? Our Middle School students are confident, responsible individuals who are prepared for future endeavors.
Learning Outside the Classroom
All students — no matter their age — enjoy learning by doing and experiencing. Middle School students enjoy various field trips throughout the school year and eighth graders travel to Washington, D.C.
Class Schedules
From 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Middle School students are engaged in seven class periods, covering core content and electives. Each morning they have a Royal Recharge break where they can enjoy downtime between the start of the school day and their lunch break. On Thursday mornings, they have chapel along with the Upper School students.
The Academies
We provide an expanded after-school program to include academic, fine arts, and enrichment classes. The Academies are implemented to meet the needs of families and expand offerings and participation in athletics, academics, fine arts programs, and other areas of enrichment.
A Safe Place to Learn and Grow
Student safety is our top priority. In addition to ensuring students feel emotionally supported, we also focus on physical safety with a dedicated safety team that works to keep our campus secure. All staff undergo background checks and all visitors are required to check in. Middle School students are subject to random drug testing, and we have well-articulated policies on bullying and social media.
Come and see why we’re central Florida’s #1 private Christian school
Schedule a campus tour, and see first-hand why families choose The First Academy for their middle schoolers.